Sjogren's Syndrome.
Last updated Thursday, December 13, 2007
Figure 1 - Areas that may be affected by Sjogren's syndrome Causes and effectsCauses The causes of Sjogren's syndrome are not known. There is some evidence
that viral infections, heredity, and hormones may in some way
contribute to Sjogren's syndrome.Effects In Sjogren's syndrome, changes occur in the immune system--the
body's defense against disease. In Sjogren's, the immune system lacks
the usual controls. This causes white blood cells to invade glands in
the body that produce moisture, such as the tear and salivary glands,
and the Bartholins glands in the vagina. They can destroy the glands
and cause them to stop producing moisture.
Sjogren's syndrome can also cause problems in other parts of the
body, including the joints, lungs, muscles, kidneys, nerves, thyroid
gland, liver, pancreas, stomach, and brain (see figure 1). In addition,
Sjogren's syndrome may cause skin, nose, and vaginal dryness, and may
affect other organs of the body including the kidneys, blood vessels,
and lungs. Blindness is a rare complication of Sjogren's.
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